Real estate in Canada is a well-documented channel for money laundering. Criminal organizations and individuals routinely attempt to integrate illicit funds into the legitimate economy by investing in real property. These activities often involve using criminal proceeds to purchase real estate, securing mortgage financing to layer and legitimize the capital, or commingling dirty money with legitimate investment flows.
According to a 2018 report commissioned by the Government of British Columbia, an estimated $7 billion was laundered in that province alone in a single year. The report linked this illicit activity to a 5% increase in housing prices, illustrating how financial crime can distort markets and undermine public trust.
Private lenders, mortgage administrators, brokers, investment vehicles, and others in the real estate ecosystem are at risk of being used, knowingly or unknowingly, as conduits for money laundering.
Assadi Private Capital takes this risk seriously. We maintain internal policies and procedures aimed at identifying and mitigating the potential for our firm to be used in criminal financial activity. While our role is limited in scope, we recognize the importance of acting responsibly within the sector.
We comply with all applicable Canadian anti-money laundering laws and regulatory obligations, including those under the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act (PCMLTFA). Assadi Private Capital supports broader efforts to protect the integrity of Canada’s financial system and to reduce the misuse of real estate for illicit purposes.